Security forces have "liberated" 56 villages with over 36,000 population from the clutches of Maoists in Jharkhand's Saranda district, where a new developmental action plan will be implemented soon.

Security forces have "liberated" 56 villages with over 36,000 population from the clutches of Maoists in Jharkhand's Saranda district, where a new developmental action plan will be implemented soon.

Describing it as a major success, Home Ministry officials said the villages under six 'Gram Sabha' had been under the dominance of the Naxals for a long period and as a result no development has taken place there.

"After consistent efforts, security forces liberated the area from the clutches of the Maoists," an official said.

Under the 'Saranda Action Plan', prepared by the Rural Development Ministry, the government will immediately distribute solar lanterns and bicycles, help construction of pre-fabricated houses for BPL families under the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) and bridges with the help of Army and distribute hand-pumps for drinking water.

The Centre will also help the Jharkhand government to raise one battalion (approximately 1,000 personnel) of Indian Reserve police force by recruiting local tribal youth.

The Home Ministry will provide the funds to raise the Indian Reserve force battalion.

This force will be deployed to provide security to the local population and help authorities to carry out the development activities, officials said.

The Jharkhand government is also likely to give land 'patta' to some local population living in the area, as many of them are living in government lands, enabling them to government benefits.